Cashback for up to £2,500 of healthcare
Cycle2Work - save up to 47% off a new bike
Cost of living support
Welcome to our first newsletter
Following the publishing of The Hills Group’s Wellbeing Commitment, I want to remind all employees about our Wellbeing Hub website. You do not need a log in, as you can access the Wellbeing Hub from any computer or mobile device using the url below. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on this page.
hills-group.co.uk/wellbeing-hub
It is a valuable online resource which can be accessed by all employees – and includes a wealth of information, links and advice on topics relating to your mental and physical health – plus finance tips, savings and discounts as well as ideas for a happier and healthier lifestyle.
We have produced this first printed Wellbeing Hub newsletter, to highlight a number of benefits and advice lines that will be useful to everyone, including the six free telephone and six free face-to-face counselling sessions you are entitled to through the BUPA Employee Assistance Programme. You can find more details on the facing page.
The Wellbeing hub is updated regularly with useful content and, links to, and reminders of schemes that can benefit you. Every month, the hub will focus on a different topic related to your mental health, physical health and financial wellbeing, along with lifestyle suggestions and discounts for eligible employees.
Stay well!
Mike Hill, Chief Executive
FREE counselling for ALL employees
All Hills’ employees can now access FREE counselling via our Bupa Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Among other benefits the EAP entitles you to six telephone and six face-to-face counselling sessions to discuss whatever is on your mind – whether it’s stress, bereavement, financial worries, anxiety and depression or family issues.
For a confidential chat, please call 0800 269 616
When calling, you will only be asked for your date of birth, gender and home postcode. You can start an online CBT assessment at: bupa.com/cbt PIN: BuPaHM Useful self-help tools can be found at: bupa.co.uk/eaponline
• 24/7 mental wellbeing helpline
• initial clinical assessment by phone
• counselling by phone
• counselling by video call or face-to-face
• legal helpline
• financial helpline
• child and dependant care helpline
• manager helpline
• 24/7 Anytime Healthline
• online cognitive behavioural therapy provided by SilverCloud Health supported by a Bupa therapist
• online mental wellbeing programmes provided by SilverCloud Health
• EAP online for self-help information and advice.
Are you missing out on hundreds of pounds?
From prescriptions and dental treatments through to hospital stays, you can claim cashback for more than you think...
We strongly recommend that you download the Westfield app and create an account using your unique account number* to take advantage of your Westfield Health cash plan which provides annual cashback cover for the following:
Chiropody
£75 Consultation
£450
*If you do not have your account number, please contact HR who can provide this for you. Once you have logged in via your app you will then be able to log in on any device.
Let’s get physical…
Once you have registered your Westfield Health plan (see opposite) you can also gain access to over 3,600 discounted local gym memberships via mygymdiscounts.co.uk
You can also access consumer discounts on top brands in food, fashion, fitness gear, family days out and much more via myactivediscounts.co.uk
Cost of living help and debt advice
Taking the first step to fixing your financial situation can be the hardest. But there are plenty of non-judgmental organisations who you can go to for advice on either the rising cost of living or managing debt.
StepChange is the UK’s leading debt advice charity and they can help you become free from debt:
• they will treat you as an individual
• they can give you comprehensive support
• their service is FREE.
Call their friendly advisors on 0800 138 1111 Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturdays 9.00am to 2.00pm or visit stepchange.org
National Debtline is an independent, free and impartial debt advice charity who can help if you are struggling with debt.
National Debtline will help you create a budget and find solutions that are tailored to your situation. They can either help with immediate questions or help you make long term plans to manage your debt.
Call their expert advisors on 0800 808 4000 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 1.00pm or visit nationaldebtline.org
Heating and hot water account for over half of the average household’s energy bills, so it’s important to know what you can do to prepare your heating system for the colder winter months and save money on your energy bills.
The Government’s help for households website has lots of handy hints on how to reduce energy consumption.
Visit helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/get-ready-for-winter/
Ofgem’s website lists a number of schemes that support free or subsidised energy-saving measures. These aim to help vulnerable people and encourage energy efficiency in our homes. Some schemes are provided directly through your supplier.
For example, you, a friend or family member may benefit from checking if you qualify for government’s schemes such as:
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Warm Home Discount
• Household Support Fund.
Want to ride your subsidised bicycle?
Cycle2Work is a government initiative that encourages more people to commute by bike, enabling them to get fitter and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Scan to save up to 47% on your new bike here…
The scheme is run via salary sacrifice, allowing employees to make savings of up to 47% on the cost of a new bike and accessories.
It’s quick and easy to sign up – simply enter your name, email address and employer code hillsgroupc2w. Visit cycle2work.info/sign-up to get started.
Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on but the Rent
The cost of living continues to increase, and the majority of household spend is on putting a roof over our heads – be that owning, mortgaging or, in many cases, renting a home.
Whether you are renting now or looking to rent, our Wellbeing Hub has lots of useful links to various UK organisations and charities that can offer specific advice and support on renting and your rights as a renter.
If you need help getting online to access this info, please ask a friend, colleague or your manager.
Scan for useful links to housing charities
What’s that coming over the hill?
If you’re thinking about your future, your pension provider and free government advice could help you make the most of your pension.
The Government’s Money Helper website is a rich resource of free, impartial advice on lots of financial matters including pensions and retirement. moneyhelper.org.uk
Standard Life Pensions
If you are signed up to the company’s Standard Life Pension scheme you can easily access all aspects of your pension, whether you just want to see how your fund is performing or if you need to make some more definite plans. standardlife.co.uk
Access useful pension advice here:
Anyone who is a member of the Wiltshire Pension Fund (Local Government Pension Scheme) can find a huge wealth of resources on the fund’s website. Whether you want to access or change your personal details or raise any queries please visit wiltshirepensionfund.org.uk
Help in your hours of need…
Grief is a very personal journey, and many may prefer to talk about the loss of a loved one in confidence.
MetLife’s complimentary bereavement and probate support helpline, staffed by qualified counsellors, is there to provide you and your family with the practical and emotional support you need whether registering a death or coming to terms with loss.
Metlife is The Hills Group’s life assurance company and can offer Hills’ employees bereavement advice on 0800 917 0096, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for as often and as long as you need it.
Scan for support with bereavement and probate:
Take a break… £50
Sit down, grab a tea or coffee and complete this wordsearch for your chance to win one of three £50 Tesco vouchers. Please note that the solutions could run up, down, backwards, forwards and diagonally. When you’re done, scan or photograph this page and email to comms@hills-group.co.uk. Alternatively, cut off this page and send to the Communications and Marketing department via internal mail at County Park, Swindon. Competition deadline: 07 March, 2025
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden in all directions.